Ning Fengzhi's Wisdom

Ten days later, Lin Yao and Chen Xin finally returned to Seven Treasure City.

A journey that should have taken only a few days had instead taken a full ten days because Lin Yao had devoted himself to cultivation along the way.

"Yao, you cultivated diligently throughout this journey. It truly wasn't easy. Now that we're back at the sect, you should balance work and rest. Go get some sleep early."

After returning to the sect, Chen Xin looked at Lin Yao with eyes full of gratification and praise.

Over this period, he had witnessed Lin Yao's diligence and effort firsthand, and he was filled with expectations for this disciple's future. His tone was especially satisfied.

"As for telling Fengzhi about your experiences and gains during this time, leave that to me."

"Alright, Teacher. I'll be going, then."

Lin Yao had devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation during this time, and his strength had improved noticeably, filling him with motivation.

But he was not made of iron. The consecutive days of high-intensity cultivation had left him utterly exhausted.

At this moment, he had no intention of pushing himself any further and headed straight for his room.

When he returned to his room, it was clean and tidy, with everything neatly arranged. Someone clearly came by often to clean it; everything was just as it had been before.

Yet compared to more than ten days ago, Lin Yao had already undergone a complete transformation, his strength having made a qualitative leap.

He came to the bed, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest for a moment.

Feeling the robust Soul Power within him, which had already reached Level 17, Lin Yao nodded to himself in satisfaction.

That Thousand-Year Soul Ring from the Dark Jade Bamboo possessed an exceptionally deep foundation.

When he had absorbed it, it had not only brought enormous benefits to his body but had also pushed his Soul Power straight to Level 16.

Looking at it now, his Soul Power had probably been slightly above Level 16 at the time.

Only after ten days of settling and consolidation had it broken through to Level 17 in one stroke.

"This time, I broke through a level so quickly thanks to the residual benefits of that Soul Ring.

A Thousand-Year Soul Ring is already this powerful. No wonder so many people are willing to take risks in pursuit of higher-age Soul Rings.

Especially those blood-red Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings, filled with both danger and opportunity—they are recognized across the continent as the greatest treasures of all."

Lin Yao could not help but sigh inwardly. He felt more certain than ever that his bold decision to absorb a Thousand-Year Soul Ring as his first Soul Ring had been the right path.

With this Soul Ring laying a solid foundation, he could gradually increase the age of the Soul Rings he absorbed as he grew stronger.

According to his plan, by the time he reached his seventh or eighth ring, he would try to absorb a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring.

This was the safest growth plan he had devised for himself.

The future was filled with unknowns and variables, but Lin Yao knew clearly that he had, at most, a little over a decade of peaceful time.

Joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would certainly grant him abundant cultivation resources, allowing him to grow safely in the early stages without being easily snuffed out by malicious envy or suppression.

But he also understood that every gain came with a price.

As one of the Upper Three Sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's influence on the continent was growing ever stronger. Naturally, it had become a thorn in the flesh of those ambitious figures in Spirit Hall who sought to establish the Spirit Hall Empire.

Unless some major change occurred, the Soul Hunting Operation Spirit Hall would launch more than a decade later, as well as the sect-destroying crisis in which the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be besieged by more than a dozen Title Douluo, would most likely not disappear simply because he had joined.

Still, Lin Yao had absolute confidence in the speed of his own growth. He would not be inferior to Tang San after Tang San went to Sea God Island and received the Sea God's empowerment.

Moreover, he possessed the unique advantage of connections to worlds beyond this one.

Although those worlds currently offered mostly experience and knowledge, without any overwhelming assistance that could propel him to the heavens in a single step,

as time passed, the accumulated power of those worlds might, with enough luck, make godhood possible in a single day.

For now, though, he still needed to keep his feet on the ground and rely on his own efforts.

As he thought this, a fresh surge of strength rose within his exhausted body and mind, instantly dispelling any desire to rest.

He adjusted his posture, and his aura gradually stabilized as he entered meditation once more.

He used meditation to cultivate, immersing himself completely in the circulation and growth of his Soul Power.

He quietly set himself a small goal: break through to Level 20 as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, after leaving Lin Yao, Chen Xin headed directly to the main discussion hall.

At this time, Ning Fengzhi was inside handling sect affairs. When he saw Chen Xin enter, he immediately set aside his work, rose to his feet, and welcomed him.

After Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi took their seats, Chen Xin began to describe in detail his observations and guidance of Lin Yao during this period, as well as Lin Yao's gains.

As he spoke, Chen Xin particularly emphasized Lin Yao's astonishing feat of easily absorbing a Thousand-Year Soul Ring with the aid of the Star Body.

This had never before appeared in the records of the soul master system.

In the past, no soul master had ever dared absorb a Thousand-Year Soul Ring as their first Soul Ring.

After all, it was equivalent to the third Soul Ring in the optimal Soul Ring configuration for the Soul Elder stage. The risk was immense.

"A thousand-year Dark Jade Bamboo Soul Ring... That young Yao has truly given us old fellows a tremendous surprise."

After hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's voice was full of amazement and emotion.

"I originally thought that when he said he wanted to absorb a Thousand-Year Soul Ring, it was merely the hot-blooded talk of youth.

Once he truly understood the risk of exploding to death from absorbing a high-age Soul Ring, he would surely hesitate.

Then he would settle for second best and conservatively choose a six- or seven-hundred-year Soul Ring, comparable to a Soul Grandmaster's second Soul Ring.

After all, with the powerful physical talent granted by the Star Body, his second Martial Soul, such a cautious choice would ensure nothing went wrong.

Now, it seems my thinking was too old-fashioned. I underestimated that exceptionally talented young man, Yao."

Ning Fengzhi understood that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had truly found a treasure this time.

The talent Lin Yao had displayed was undoubtedly that of a solid Super Douluo Seed.

Given time, if all went smoothly, Lin Yao's accomplishments might even surpass Chen Xin's.

At the thought that the sect might one day possess a top-tier powerhouse whose swordsmanship exceeded even Sword Douluo Chen Xin's, an uncontrollable excitement welled up within Ning Fengzhi.

That way, the sect would have a little more confidence when facing the behemoth that was Spirit Hall.

"Actually, compared to the talent Yao has displayed, I think his steadfast character, as well as his positive and diligent spirit, are even rarer."

Gu Rong, who had been standing to one side and listening silently, could not help adding his thoughts.

Gu Rong was usually a man of few words, but his insight was sharp. His assessment of Lin Yao made both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin nod in agreement.

"Uncle Gu is right. Since ancient times, every genius who became a top-tier powerhouse possessed both outstanding talent and character."

Ning Fengzhi picked up the thread, his tone resolute.

"Of course, if all of Yao's current talent were exposed—especially if the world learned of his second Martial Soul, which allows him to absorb high-age Soul Rings beyond his level—then he would absolutely be called the continent's number one genius.

Without the fatal drawback of Twin Martial Souls, the tendency to explode to death, such a genius is simply too terrifying.

Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's century-long plan for prosperity may well rest entirely on this little fellow."

"Now it is time for our sect to increase its investment. Raise the supply of Yao's cultivation resources to the highest standard.

"At the same time, provide corresponding cultivation resources to his parents, who have always been properly cared for.

"I believe that every investment we make in him now will yield returns a hundredfold, a thousandfold in the future.

"I truly can't wait to see this little fellow grow up quickly."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes gleamed with anticipation, full of confidence in Lin Yao's future.

"I agree. Back then, Tang Hao rose to prominence with the sacrifice of a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring.

"Not only did he break the record for the shortest time needed to break through to Title Douluo, but immediately after his breakthrough, he killed a Super Douluo while surrounded on all sides."

Chen Xin nodded, a trace of reminiscence appearing in his expression.

"I believe that with Yao's aptitude, even without that Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, he can fully rival Tang Hao. At the same age, he may even do better than Tang Hao."

"Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings are not entirely beyond reach. We still have a chance to obtain one for Yao.

"Although the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python in the Star Dou Great Forest cannot be touched, provoking them might bring forth even more terrifying beings."

When Gu Rong mentioned those hidden beings in the Star Dou Great Forest, a trace of apprehension flashed through his eyes. He left it at that, then shifted the subject.

"But with these two old bones of ours, once Yao has grown strong enough, we should have a fair chance of helping him hunt a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in the ocean at the right time and obtain a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring."

"Haha, that's not a bad idea. I never expected that despite always acting as though you can't stand me, you would be so devoted to my disciple and plan so far ahead for him."

At those words, a sharp gleam flashed through Chen Xin's eyes before he burst into laughter.

"I'm not doing this only for your disciple. I'm thinking even more of Rongrong."

Gu Rong rolled his eyes at Chen Xin and spoke seriously.

"To be honest, we old fellows will grow old one day. This world will ultimately belong to Rongrong's generation.

"The stronger Yao becomes, the easier Rongrong's life will be after she takes over as sect master. She won't have to worry herself gray-haired over every matter in the sect like Fengzhi does."

As the new replaced the old, Gu Rong understood well that although he could protect Ning Rongrong for a time, he could not protect her for a lifetime.

Only someone Lin Yao's age and with great strength could truly become Ning Rongrong's firm support in the future.

Hearing this, both Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi felt a wave of emotion and deeply agreed, nodding in approval.

Without realizing it, these three elders had already begun raising Lin Yao as Ning Rongrong's "child husband."

After discussing Lin Yao, Chen Xin went on to tell Ning Fengzhi in detail about meeting Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, today, as well as Dugu Bo's granddaughter, Dugu Yan.

As a Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo was helpless when it came to his own granddaughter's poisoning. This inconceivable situation had left an especially deep impression on Chen Xin.

He thought that if they could approach things from this angle, they might have an opportunity to recruit this Title Douluo, famed for his poison and immense area-of-effect lethality, for the sect.

At this, Ning Fengzhi's brows furrowed slightly as he fell into thought. After a moment, he slowly said,

"I never expected the Jade Scale Snake's evolution into the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor to involve such a calamity.

"No wonder Dugu Bo's descendants mostly die young. Now only Dugu Yan, this single remaining heir, is left. It seems this is caused by a Martial Soul defect."

"A Martial Soul defect? How is Dugu Yan's poisoning related to a Martial Soul defect?"

Gu Rong was utterly confused by Ning Fengzhi's conclusion.

In his view, Dugu Yan might have been poisoned because of some hidden ailment that even the Poison Douluo found difficult to handle.

"Judging from Sword Uncle's description and Dugu Bo's reaction, this is clearly a chain reaction caused by the evolution of their family's Martial Soul."

Ning Fengzhi explained patiently.

"The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor's enhancement in terms of poison is simply too great.

"Without an opponent of equal strength to restrain it, this poison could completely slaughter cities and destroy nations, much like those powerful poisonous beasts that evolve from Ten Thousand-Year Soul Beasts into Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts.

"However, soul beasts possess powerful bodies, Soul Rings, and even Soul Bones capable of storing the poison within them, while the bodies of human soul masters are comparatively far too fragile.

"Perhaps it is precisely because Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan lack treasures of immense power such as Soul Bones, and thus cannot properly store their poison within their bodies, that they have developed these symptoms of poisoning."

Ning Fengzhi's analysis was clear and well-reasoned, causing Chen Xin and Gu Rong, both Title Douluo, to fall into thought.

Chen Xin recalled his encounter with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan today. Combined with Ning Fengzhi's judgment, it seemed increasingly reasonable, and he could not help saying,

"Then if we use this angle to enlighten Dugu Bo, and give him a Soul Bone while giving another to his granddaughter...

"If we pay such a price, is it possible to make this Title Douluo fully join our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as a guest elder?"

Soul Bones were extraordinarily precious and worth a fortune. But if two Soul Bones, along with the idea of storing poison within them, could secure the loyalty of the Poison Douluo—a man with immense area-of-effect lethality and deterrent power—it would absolutely be a profitable deal.

However, Ning Fengzhi shook his head and rejected the proposal.

"It is not that simple. Ultimately, Soul Bones are entirely different in the bodies of human soul masters and soul beasts.

"Even if a soul master absorbs a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone early on at the Soul King stage, once he reaches Title Douluo, that Soul Bone will not evolve alongside him into a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone. Soul beasts, however, are precisely the opposite.

"So, storing poison in a Soul Bone can only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.

"While it may temporarily recruit Dugu Bo, once it reaches its limit, the Soul Bone carrying that immense poison will erupt. That is not something a human soul master can withstand."

Ning Fengzhi paused, sighed, and continued,

"Unless they encounter the rarest treasure of all—an External Soul Bone.

"An External Soul Bone can grow alongside a soul master. Its value is second only to a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone.

"In theory, only an External Soul Bone could possibly resolve the inherited poison issue of Dugu Bo's family."

"Alas, treasures as rare as External Soul Bones are not only impossible to seek deliberately, but once they have been absorbed, they are extremely difficult for others to acquire.

"Besides, producing two External Soul Bones at once is simply impossible."

Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly.

"It seems the plan to recruit Dugu Bo can only be postponed for now. At present, the most important thing is to wait for Yao to grow stronger.

"We should not attract too much attention from major powers merely for the sake of gaining one Title Douluo, lest we bring unnecessary trouble upon the sect."

As Ning Fengzhi's voice fell, the main hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sank into silence for a time.

Listening to Ning Fengzhi analyze so much crucial information in such an orderly fashion despite having only limited information, Chen Xin and Gu Rong both felt admiration and emotion.

He was indeed the sect master who, even after the leading Upper Three Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, went into seclusion, Spirit Hall lost its counterbalance, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan gradually declined, had still made the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect increasingly prosperous and powerful.

His vision and strategy were among the finest on the continent.